Closing Rikers News Update

THE MASS INCARCERATION OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE — USE DISORDERS:
Closing in on Closing Rikers
A Conversation with Officials from the de Blasio Administration about what they are Doing to Divert People with Serious Mental Illness from the Criminal Justice System and an Opportunity to Ask what More Should be Done to Close Rikers as Soon as Possible.

Co-Sponsored by
The Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice
Metro Industrial Areas Foundation
and
The New York Daily News

February 14, 2018
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Hosted by Baruch College
55 Lexington Ave. (at 24th Street)

RSVP: info@greenburgercenter.org

Policies driving mass incarceration, including the de-institutionalization of those with serious mental illness, have resulted in the incarceration of millions of people suffering from mental illness, substance use disorders and homelessness. Plans to reduce mass incarceration and shrink jails and prisons must address this often high needs population. As New York City embarks on a path to close Rikers and reform its criminal justice system, this forum will focus on the key roles of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the NYC Police Department and the NYC Department of Mental Health and Hygiene in the diversion process. The speakers will discuss what they are doing to divert this population and provide alternatives to incarceration, how their efforts can help to close Rikers, and what resources and programs they still need to ensure that people whose mental illness leads to anti social behaviors are able to receive treatment instead of only punishment. Audience members will be provided the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session following a moderated panel discussion. We hope to see you there. Seating is limited, please RSVP early to ensure a seat.
RSVP: info@greenburgercenter.org